How are some ways that my players can identify if npcs have classes besides the npc classes? How would u go about telling the players if they asked in roleplay?
In general they probably wouldn't be able to identify a specific class just from observation. However there can be hints that an NPC is more dangerous/combat oriented than normal.
Any NPC with multiple levels is going to have better gear than average, while this is true for the NPC classes as well as the PC classes, often an NPC class (except perhaps the Warrior) will have gear that isn't as focused in a combat role.
The presence of a spell component pouch, divine focus and similar things can give a clue as to the nature of a characters abilities.
Finally, sense motive is good for just getting a hunch that things are not right, for example on a successful roll you might tell a PC "The old man in tattered robes you at first dismissed as a beggar seems to be moving with a focus and control that could only result from years of study of unarmed combat traditions" (i.e. he is probably a Monk)
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The Spymaster's Handbook has rules for using relevant Knowledge checks to identify class abilities when they are used. It wouldn't tell you what class they are (some class abilities are available to archetypes of other classes), but if you see someone heal themselves with Lay on Hands you know they might be a Paladin (or a Pain discipline Psychic, or...).
Type of armor worn, general bearing of the NCP, kind of weapons worn or calluses on hands can give hints. Dave alraedy said it about the pouches.
I don't know about your players, mine already assume that someone has a few levels in a relevant class, if he is doing something for a living. They don't ask what he is usually, only what he can do. His lifestyle will tell something about his power, albeit that can be very misleading.
Tyvm everybody! Got some nice ideas, ty
Well, how well can you tell if a person is 10th level black belt until they start punching your guts out?
Even in a fight, it is hard to say, since various things could be attributed less to class and more to 'fighting style'. How do you tell the difference between a fighter's swing and a rangers?
For martial classes, there is usually no real way to discern them unless they use some obvious class ability (cavalier challenge, maybe barbarian rage since the guy flips out and starts swining with reckless abandon, etc.). Casters can be discerned from spells, and heck, wizards probably put a lot of research into that in setting since they love researching spells.
At best, you might be able to use a knowledge (local) for some obvious context clues, such as a ranger having equipment well suited for running around the woods.
How are some ways that my players can identify if npcs have classes besides the npc classes? How would u go about telling the players if they asked in roleplay?
Thank you for this question.
I understand the mechanical desires to know such things but in general I think that people can come close to knowing but shouldn't know everything. Some skills; spellcraft, various knowledge skills will give insights. That said random fur trappers who are from time to time willing to lead expeditions into the wild do not introduce themselves as rangers. Ranger is a ooc delineation of game mechanics its not a common title unless you happen to join an order of "Dark Moon Vale Ranges" or "Rangers of the Fanwood." Even then some of those rangers might be mechanically druids who joined a group. Similarly an order of knights might have any number various classes in it. The local priest might dress the part of regular cleric but actually be an oracle or inquisitor.
People might be in the ball park but the idea should be vague.
I think blood biography reveals a bit. It just says name and role, but you can infer a bit. For example, Colonel Curtsyr, the leader of soldiers fell off his horse in combat. Sounds like a cavalier.